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Subject Topic: Campervan help - electric hookup Post Reply Post New Topic
via mobile 22/6/2021 at 6:31pm
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Hi all, we recently bought our first camper, a converted Vivaro.
Underneath is an electric hookup point, and at the back are the devices shown in the photo. I am struggling with the logistics of the devices in the photo - i.e. what are they and how do they work. Is anyone able to advise?

Many thanks
Ian


via mobile 22/6/2021 at 6:32pm
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22/6/2021 at 7:06pm
 Location: london
 Outfit: Elddis marquis majestic 185
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The top picture is probably the 12v power supply but there definitely should not be all those wispy strands of wire, if something metal fell against them you could have a real problem, at best case it may blow a fuse. The cables should have a proper insulated crimped connector
The second picture looks like the 220v input and inside the box with the 2 screws there is probably a RCD (safety cutout) and a complete of mcb’s (miniature circuit breakers). A picture of inside the cover would be useful

When you say the hook up socket is underneath do you really mean under the van where it is open to water etc from the road?
You may be well advised to get the system checked over by an approved caravan/Motorhome engineer to be on the safe side.
I’m sure you will get other comments from the members of the forum
Don’t worry just ask and someone will give you advice
After all that welcome to the forum😀

Post last edited on 22/06/2021 19:10:47

Post last edited on 22/06/2021 19:12:23

-------------
Basa


22/6/2021 at 8:52pm
 Location: Turriff Aberdeenshi
 Outfit: Romahome R30 Dimens
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It looks from the photos as if the electrics are at floor level. I wouldn't be happy with that location, and if the ehu socket was under the van, I'd be very unhappy. The wiring from the power supply is a mess.
You really want proper crimped and insulated connectors, and when someone left it like that, I would start to question the rest of the wiring.

If you're not happy to sort it yourself, it might be wise to get a spark to check it out.

-------------
Two drifters off to see the world.

I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.


22/6/2021 at 9:05pm
 Location: Somerset
 Outfit: Murvi Morello
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I’ve seen the EHU inlet under the back bumper in several ‘stealth’ vans, especially VWs. The idea is that they can’t be seen on the van body to readily identify them as campervans.

Always thought it was a bad idea both practically and safety wise.


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via mobile 22/6/2021 at 9:50pm
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Quote: Originally posted by barry915 on 22/6/2021
The top picture is probably the 12v power supply but there definitely should not be all those wispy strands of wire, if something metal fell against them you could have a real problem, at best case it may blow a fuse. The cables should have a proper insulated crimped connector
The second picture looks like the 220v input and inside the box with the 2 screws there is probably a RCD (safety cutout) and a complete of mcb’s (miniature circuit breakers). A picture of inside the cover would be useful

When you say the hook up socket is underneath do you really mean under the van where it is open to water etc from the road?
You may be well advised to get the system checked over by an approved caravan/Motorhome engineer to be on the safe side.
I’m sure you will get other comments from the members of the forum
Don’t worry just ask and someone will give you advice
After all that welcome to the forum😀

Post last edited on 22/06/2021 19:10:47

Post last edited on 22/06/2021 19:12:23



Hi Barry,

Thanks for your helpful response. My friend is a sparky and will definitely be asking him to check the van over.

When you say 12v power supply... What exactly does it do/power? Could this be feeding the electrical socket that's inside the van? Apologies if my questions sound stupid!!!!


22/6/2021 at 10:41pm
 Location: East Herts
 Outfit: 1992 Elddis Wisp 450CT + X Trail
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Quote: Originally posted by ian1104 on 22/6/2021
Quote: Originally posted by barry915 on 22/6/2021
The top picture is probably the 12v power supply but there definitely should not be all those wispy strands of wire, if something metal fell against them you could have a real problem, at best case it may blow a fuse. The cables should have a proper insulated crimped connector
The second picture looks like the 220v input and inside the box with the 2 screws there is probably a RCD (safety cutout) and a complete of mcb’s (miniature circuit breakers). A picture of inside the cover would be useful

When you say the hook up socket is underneath do you really mean under the van where it is open to water etc from the road?
You may be well advised to get the system checked over by an approved caravan/Motorhome engineer to be on the safe side.
I’m sure you will get other comments from the members of the forum
Don’t worry just ask and someone will give you advice
After all that welcome to the forum😀

Post last edited on 22/06/2021 19:10:47

Post last edited on 22/06/2021 19:12:23



Hi Barry,

Thanks for your helpful response. My friend is a sparky and will definitely be asking him to check the van over.

When you say 12v power supply... What exactly does it do/power? Could this be feeding the electrical socket that's inside the van? Apologies if my questions sound stupid!!!!



Could that 12 volt power supply be being used to provide 12 volts into the van for accessories, lights etc, and to charge the leisure battery? Your friend the sparky should soon be able to check that out.


-------------
Best Regards,
Colin


22/6/2021 at 11:10pm
 Location: Cheshire
 Outfit: Camplet Concord Romahome R30
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The black box on the left in the second picture is a Ring Battery Charger . Has this been added instead of a proper Power Supply Unit for the 12v electrics? In normal use, the flat ribbon type cable should end in a pair of croc clips and be attached to the battery terminals for charging, although, I've never seen one used as a "permanant" installation. If it is wired into anything else, I would not use it and get it checked out as a matter of urgency.


23/6/2021 at 12:29am
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Looking at your pictures, it's a good idea to get your friendly sparks to have a look at that 'installation'.

If there are any gas appliances i.e. hob or 3 way fridge installed I hope you have a mate who's a qualified gas fitter. That's where the real dangers lie in a dodgy conversion

-------------
Never argue with fools........They drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience.


23/6/2021 at 11:32am
 Location: london
 Outfit: Elddis marquis majestic 185
View barry915's Profile View Profile   Reply to barry915 Reply   Quote barry915 Quote  
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The 12v supply which is fed from the 220v hook up is normally for internal lighting, water pump, etc all of which should have their individual fuse
The 220v comes from the ehu and supplies the 220v sockets and the 12v psu.
Never seen a permanent battery charger fitted, they are usually for topping up the battery when the van is not in use and the charger should be of the smart type to avoid overcharging the battery.
Don’t worry about asking “stupid” questions we have all been there!

-------------
Basa



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